FBA Experts Presented in “Kyushu Spring Seminar 2017” in Japan

Given the growing interest on Integrated Resorts development in Japan, Prof. Jacky So, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) at the University of Macau (UM) and Prof. Glenn McCartney, Associate Professor in International Integrated Resort Management, were invited to be speakers of “Kyushu Spring Seminar 2017” held in Kyushi, Japan.

Organized by Center for Chinese Business Studies of the University of Kitakyushu, and co-hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Nanyang Technological University, Renmin University of China and University of Macau, the conference attracted more than 100 participants. Prof. So and Prof. McCartney used their experience of Integrated Resorts development in Macao to explain the impacts and various issues on public policy.

Addressing a concern on problem gambling, Prof. So discussed the various methods to help negate the issue in the community, using Macao, Singapore and Korea as case studies, concluding that Japan should find a model that worked best for them. Prof McCartney give a presentation on tourism development scenarios should an integrated resort be built in their location, discussing various issues of public policy from taxation, due diligence, locals gambling, to smoking inside casinos. Prof McCartney highlighted Japan’s present day destination competitiveness, strengths and weaknesses. Discussing the local and regional market mix, he shared the experience of the several international companies, which are presenting interest to obtain a license and whose presence would undoubtedly be a significant catalyst for tourism development and economic stimulus. The terms and who would be selected could determine future outcomes.

Aside from the conference, the 3-day trip to Kyushu included meetings with the tourism authority, business leaders, media and academia. Previous meetings and discussions had been prior to casino legalization and so the discussions were focused on the eventual placement of integrated resorts in Japan. Seminar was also conducted to local academia and students in promoting Macao and UM.